I thought I had survived the day. The sun had gone down, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I was sitting in the cramped, musty quarters with the other omegas. My legs still ached from chasing after Alpha Zach like some broken puppy all day into the council hall, the training ground, even when he went to inspect border reports. Every step had felt like a noose tightening around my neck. But now, finally, I was back here. Four walls that smelled of damp hay and old soap, yes, but walls that were mine. For once, I wasn't under his shadow, under his voice, under his insane eyes.
I curled against the wall, arms around my knees, trying to pretend this was peace. Around me, the other omegas whispered in low voices. Their laughter was thin, nervous, but at least they were breathing easier without him around. Elara sat on her cot plaiting her hair with trembling hands. She'd been watching me all day with pity.
"You're pale," she whispered, glancing at me. "Did he—?"
